It has been itching for quite some time.. Sometimes consciously and more often unconsciously. It itches to get out of the rat race and recalibrate my life. I feel that I cannot fully unlock my potential. Something or several things were holding me back. Somewhere it is not flowing. Although, I have been challenged both privately and professionally in the past period, it remains restless. In July 2023, I made the decision that it is now 'me-time or Me(nno)-time'. I promised to myself that I will not let anyone, or anything hinder me to make this leap. I sold my apartment and went on a tour to start writing a new chapter in my book.
“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” - Bruce Lee
Life-changing events
As we live in a transformative time (on November 19, 2024, we will enter a new era – when you know you know), I decided to calibrate my life by taking a big leap forward and leaving my familiar environment. This familiar environment is he city of Arnhem where I lived my life for more than 20 years. "Been there, done that" is how it felt for some time. During the first lockdown, the seed was watered and allowed to grow at an accelerated pace. The awareness seed – my life changing events – were planted in 2016 (but perhaps unknowingly earlier).
In May 2016, my father's life was hanging by a thread due to a brain infarct. This event triggered my awareness on life, family, emotions, health, and systems. In terms of my own self, love, work, friendships, money, nature. Valuable and challenging. I am happy that my father is still in our midst and grateful for all that this event and repercussions have given me in terms of family moments and insights over the past years. This event raised many questions. Why put things off when you know it can be more lifeless? What untapped potential does the whole have that is greater than the sum of its parts if we continue to approach everything in a fragmented way?
In May 2016, I started the Dutch PropTech movement and founded PropTechNL. Facilitating the amalgamation of Dutch Property and Technology industries. It already felt like the role of the weaver, bringing people together to create meaningful connections through which they can create shared value. This PropTech movement raised many questions Should digitisation of an old industry be the purpose? Why do we keep focusing on solving past problems? What will happen if we start focusing on potential and specifically creating conditions conductive to life?
These events, among others, have created awareness and further fuelled my curiosity. Over the years I have asked many questions on different levels and topics. I am convinced that I (and we) need to ask' more 'wrong' questions and challenging the status qua for the greater good.
During the first lockdown in 2020, I was touched by regeneration1 in my heart while reading ‘Green Swans – The Coming Boom of Regenerative Capitalism' by John Elkington and dived further into this way of life. I continued reading and read the book ‘Regenerative Leadership – The DNA of life-affirming 21st century organizations’ written by Laura Storm and Gilles Hutchins and was hungry for much more. I talked with many people in this space, did some desk research, read several books [check out my booklist], published blogs (Forget Sustainability in Real Estate Regeneration is the future + Beyond Sustainability: the Power of Regeneration in Real Estate’s Three Horizons + Regeneration: A New Hope for the Urban Environments beyond ESG), and I interviewed regenerators like Laura Storm, Marilyn Hamilton, and Bill Reed for the iMpact podcast. It soon became evident that regeneration demands a complete shift in my mindset, both personally and in contrast to the current trends dominating the real estate sector, such as the focus on scaling digital solutions, sustainability (which often means just reducing harm), and ESG initiatives driven by considerations for the planet, people, and predominantly profit. It became even clearer that I needed to step away from the rat race and leave behind my familiar surroundings to fully embrace the potential life has to offer.
Last months, I had the opportunity to give several keynote presentations for executive teams, in-company gatherings, and international events with the title “PropTech for Good: Why Regeneration will beat Sustainability”, I facilitated several meetings with ‘Urban Regenerators’, I complete the course 'Introduction of regenerative business' by the Butterfly School, attended the Gathering of Tribes in a beautiful Portuguese forest, and I continued my conversations with a growing group of brilliant minds within the (urban) regenerative movement. With regeneration as the main theme, I finally feels like thing come together and I can unlock potential of myself, for and with others, and the planet. That's one of the main reasons to go ‘On Tour for Regeneration’.
What are my plans for the coming period for regeneration?
On August 30th, I drove to Portugal. Although regeneration is about life as a whole, I have split my activities into two parts for convenience
Personal world – I’m eager to focus on what truly brings me joy and energy, and to unlock my potential. I’m seeking for more physical and nature activities, aiming to find my balance. In October, I will continue my tour in Portugal, exploring urban areas, connecting with new people, discovering nature through forest trails and coastal experiences. I am going to finish reading the book 'The Regenerative Life' by Carol Sanford and I will choose a new one from the books I brought with me. This part of my tour is about personal exploration of self-discovery and growth.
Business world – I’ll be combining business networking with an exploration of regenerative initiatives in Portugal, with a focus on innovative villages and urban projects. As I connect with business contacts and visit these life-centric communities, I aim to support fellow PropTech for Good members wherever possible. Additionally, I’m working on my annual trend blog with the title “A New Era: 10 Trends that will Change the Real Estate World in 2025” (read the 2024 trend blog here). Throughout this period, I’ll be promoting my international keynote presentations and ecosystem-based consultancy services, aimed at future-proofing organizations and urban projects for a regenerative future. My focus is on helping organizations unlock their regenerative potential by fostering individual agency, creativity, and drive, transforming how they operate in today’s evolving business landscape. This part of my tour is about strengthen professional relationships and engage with pioneering organisations and regenerative initiatives.
Although I quickly become attached to places where I have a nice and inspiring time, I am starting to feel the urge to continue my tour for regeneration. I’m grateful for the support from my loved ones and close business connections – thank you so much! I'm looking forward to explore, learn, and thrive. If you would like to follow my on LinkedIn and/ or Instagram page. Feel free to contact me to share your ideas, thoughts, support, and experiences.
Greetings from Portugal,
Menno Lammers
1) Regeneration has several definitions. To me, Regeneration is creating conditions conductive to life. It’s about life-centric, thriving, blooming, life-affirming.
Comments